Pump Wear - Electric Submersible Pump (ESP) used for Artificial Lift in Oil Extraction
Test
Objective
To ascertain whether a purely mechanical problem such as pump wear can
show a clear change in the current spectrum and that MCSA is a viable
CM method for ESPs.
Nameplate
details
2 (of) 3-Phase, SCIM's (2 x 210 h.p. / 2 x 157kW motors),
60Hz, 2-pole.
The ESP was operating at a depth of 7500 feet ( 2286 m) in a well deviation of 45°.
Additional
Information
Special Electrical
Submersible Pumps (ESPs) are used world-wide to provide artificial lift
in oil wells. They can operate at depths up to 12000 feet (3567 m) at
temperatures and pressures of 302 °F (150 °C) and 4000 p.s.i.
(27 Mpa). This
can result in relatively short run times compared to conventional motor-pump
drives.
The cost of a replacement in the offshore environment is very costly hence on-line monitoring to get an assessment of the unit's health is very desirable.
Outages can be planned and pumping uptake can be redirected to other pumps to avoid a sudden failure of the faulty one (e.g. operate it on reduced load). The use of vibration monitoring is not practical due to the operating environment, depths at which the ESPs operate, etc.
MCSA is much more applicable since the measurements can be taken top-side.
Figure p-5
Superimposed current spectra showing difference due to worn pump
The difference (red) envelope between the two spectra taken at different times is shown in Figure p-5.
Note that the magnitude of the 60 Hz component did not change since the motor was operating on full-load in both cases.
This change occurred over a period of 4 months. There must be disturbances in the motor-pump rotor since there are new components induced around 60 Hz.
The pumping process was not being performed efficiently and the unit was removed for inspection and overhaul.
Figure p-6
Radial wear on Stage Hubs -
shaft bearing wear
Figure (p-6)
shows a photo of the faulty pump.
There was radial wear on the pump stage hubs and there was also shaft/bushing
wear.
The result shows there is potential for MCSA to be used for monitoring the health of ESPs.
Trending of the current spectrum should be used to assess mechanical wear deterioration in the pump.
Expert
Comment
Trending
of the current spectrum should be used to assess mechanical wear deterioration
in the pump.
BACK to Home Page |
 |